KUMU HULA: Roots and Branches
explores the ancient origins of hula and the ties between
Hawaiians of generations past and present, as preserved by various schools
of kumu hula and students.In understanding hula and centuries of tradition, the reader gains an insight into
the true Hawaiian experience, replete with historical references,
cultural sensitivities, mythology, religion, and inspiring individuals. This excellent book covers all aspects of hula including: history of the hula from ancient times to the present, myths, hula protocol and halau practices, various levels of hula from beginner to expert, types of hula, various hula body movements and steps, hula implements, costumes and adornments, standards for judging hula competitions, hula genealogies with biographies of notable kumu hula including Hattie Au, Olana Clark A'i, Aloha Dalire, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Chinky Mahoe, plus a glossary of hula terms and a bibliography.